Sunset+Vine
to produce BBC horse racing coverage
BBC
Sport has announced that it has awarded the contract to produce
over 60 hours of the BBC's horse racing coverage to Sunset+Vine.
The
two year contract will see Sunset+Vine producing coverage from Aintree,
Ascot, Chepstow, Epsom, Goodwood, Haydock and Uttoxeter for BBC
ONE and BBC TWO.
The
production of the Grand National, The Derby and Royal Ascot will
stay with BBC Sport production.
Sunset+Vine,
which is owned by The Television Corporation Plc, has a strong track
record in live innovative sport production.
The
company produces Channel 4 Cricket, which has won 17 industry awards,
and all of Five's sports coverage.
Sunset+Vine
also owns Hawk-Eye, the award winning ball-tracking technology now
used worldwide for tennis and cricket coverage.
Barbara
Slater, BBC Head of General Sport, said: "In the face of fierce
competition, Sunset+Vine produced a thoroughly impressive bid.
"Their
commitment to collaborative working, innovation and creativity is
second to none and we believe that they are the right partners to
work with in continuing the BBC's high standards of racing coverage."
Jeff
Foulser, Chief Executive of The Television Corporation, said: "We're
absolutely thrilled to be working with the BBC. I'm sure we can
benefit the viewers and the sport by helping to broaden its appeal
through our coverage, just as we did with our award winning cricket
programming for Channel 4."
The
BBC has been reviewing its independent quota as it ensures it meets
the statutory obligation to commission at least 25% of its television
programmes from independent producers.
Putting
horse racing out to an independent production company will see BBC
Sport substantially increase its contribution to this target.
The
move will have no impact on the number of hours of horse racing
broadcast.
All
the BBC's digital services are now available on Freeview,
the new free-to-view digital terrestrial television service, as well
as on satellite and cable. Freeview
offers the BBC's eight television channels, interactive services
from BBCi, as well as 11 national BBC radio networks.
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